Apple Springs ISD

Where Character Counts!

Student Handbook

2017-2018

Apple Springs ISD

A Student-Centered Family United to Build Tomorrow’s Future

Welcome to Apple Springs ISD

Where Character Counts!

On behalf the faculty, staff and Board of Trustees, allow me to welcome you to the 2017-2018school year. All of us at Apple Springs ISD consider it a privilege to serve your family. We believe we are an extended family with the mission to love and educate each and every child. Our goal is to prepare and guide all studentsin the journey to becoming the ultimate version of themselves. Our hearts are focused on helping our students become Life Ready!

The commitment of providing the highest quality 21st Century learning experience is one that never stops at Apple Springs ISD. Our goal is to equip our students with the latest technology in order to prepare them for success in a global economy. At the same time, we strive to provide students with best possible character development. We believe that by combining the two critical elements, our graduates will possess the skills necessary to become positive contributors to society.

Our school district is built on the principle of students first. They physical, emotional, spiritual and educational wellbeing of our students is always our priority. We work diligently to provide an environment of safety, learning, respect, excitement and fun.

As I said before, Apple Springs ISD is dedicated to making our students Life Ready. We believe this means helping our students become proficient in the following categories.

Character

Respect * Ethics * Honesty * Integrity

Communication

Written * Spoken * Electronic

Critical Thinking

Exploration * Synthesis * Analysis

This handbook is provided for your general information. Should you have questions regarding specific situations, please feel free to contact us. As evidence of your receipt of this handbook, please sign the last page and return it to the school as soon as possible. Welcome back and thank you for helping make Apple Springs ISD great!

Go Eagles!

Cody Moree

Cody Moree

Superintendent of Schools

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgments 3

Directory Information 3

Apple Springs ISD at a Glance 4

Mission Statement 4

Board of Trustees 4

Administrative Team 4

Contact Information 4

Bell Schedules, Campus Hours 5

Visitor Information 5

Attendance 6

Release of Students from School 7

Tardy Policy 7

Emergency School Closing 7

Extracurricular Activities and Organizations 8

Athletics 8

Drug Testing Policy 9

Extracurricular Opportunities11

Fundraising11

Grading Policy and Procedures12

Honor Roll12

Weighted Courses12

Concurrent College Program12

Credit by Exam13

Semester Exams / Exemptions13

Grade Classification13

Promotion / Retention14

Graduation Requirements14

Class Ranking14

Valedictorian / Salutatorian15

Commencement Exercises15

Early Graduation15

Homework15

Report Cards / Progress Reports16

Health Services16

Nurse16

Bacterial Meningitis16

Communicable Diseases17

Immunization18

Lice18

Medicine / Medical Treatment18

Student Conduct19

Discretionary / Mandatory DAEP19

Bullying20

Dress Code20

Cell Phone Policy22

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Technology Resources 22
Student Nutrition and Food Services23

Meal Prices23

Student Rights and Records23

Communication23

Complaints by Students and Parents24

Counseling Services24

Governmental Authorities24

Non-Discrimination25

Prayer25

Protection of Student Rights26

Searches and Seizures26

Student Elections26

Student Records27

Sexual Abuse / Harassment27

Special Programs28

Surveillance Cameras29

Transportation29

School Buses29

School-Sponsored Travel30

Vehicles on Campus30

Appendix

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

SIGNATURE / RELEASE FORM

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Directory Information

Certain information about students is considered directory information and will be released to anyone who follows the procedures for requesting the information unless the parent or guardian objects to the release of the directory information about the student. If you do not wish for Apple Springs ISD to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the district in writing by September 15, 2017.

Directory Information: School-Sponsored Purposes

For the following school- sponsored purposes: school website, student yearbook, newsletter, athletic programs, Apple Springs ISD has designated the following information as directory information: Student’s name, address, telephone listing, photograph, honors and awards, grade level, dates of attendance, most recent school attended, participation in officially recognized activities, events and organizations, weight and height, if a member of an athletic team.

Directory information identified only for limited school-sponsored purposes remains otherwise confidential and will not be released to the public without the consent of the parent or eligible student.

Directory Information: All Other Purposes

For all other purposes, Apple Springs ISD has designated the following information as directory information: Student’s name, telephone listing and grade level.

Parent’s Response Regarding Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education

Federal law requires that the district release to military recruiters and institutions of higher education, upon request, the name, address and phone number of secondary school students enrolled in the district, unless the parent or eligible student directs the district not to release information to these types of requestors without prior written consent.

Student Code of Conduct Acknowledgement

As required by state law, the board of trustees has officially adopted the Student Code of Conduct in order to promote a safe and orderly learning environment for every student.

We urge you to read this publication thoroughly and to discuss it with your family. If you have any questions about the required conduct and consequences for misconduct, we encourage you to ask for an explanation from the campus administrator.

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APPLE SPRINGS ISD AT A GLANCE

Mission Statement

Based on the belief that school exists for the sole purpose of educating children, the mission of the Apple Springs Independent School District is to challenge all students academically, physically, socially and emotionally to achieve their greatest potential. Developing respect for self and others will enable students to effectively manage change and promote lifelong learning.

As Apple Springs ISD embarks into the 21st Century, technology and its applications will enable the facilitation of learning amid a caring and cooperative atmosphere. Apple Springs ISD will be responsible for accomplishing this mission in a safe, orderly environment provided by a competent, dedicated professional staff, in partnership with supportive parents and community.

APPLE SPRINGS ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PresidentAudrey Young

Vice PresidentAmanda Roden

SecretaryDaniel Murray

MemberDavid Hildebrand

MemberKarla Hollins

MemberRobert Lankford

Member Roy Madden

Board meetings are typically held on the second Monday of each month in the ASISD Board Room. Agendas are posted on the front door of Apple Springs High School, at the Apple Springs Post Office and on the ASISD website at

APPLE SPRINGS ISD ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

SuperintendentCody Moree

PrincipalKevin Plotts

Assistant PrincipalRichard Gibson

CounselorLoretta Eddins

NurseApril Davis

Business ManagerKacie Nevins

Student Data ManagerCheryl Hildebrand

Principal’s SecretaryBrenda Brister

ASISD CONTACT INFORMATION

Apple Springs ISD

PO Box 125

Apple Springs, TX 75926

936-831-3344 (P)

936-831-2824 (F)

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CAMPUS INFORMATION

Bell Schedules

ELEMENTARY (PK-6)SECONDARY (7-12)

7:55First Bell7:35-7:55Tutorials

8:00Tardy Bell8:00-8:50First Period

11:00PK Lunch8:55-9:45Second Period

11:00Kindergarten Lunch9:50-10:35Third Period

11:10First Grade Lunch10:40-11:25Fourth Period

11:10Second Grade Lunch11:30-12:15Fifth Period

11:10Third Grade Lunch12:15-12:45Lunch

11:20Fourth Grade Lunch12:50-1:35Sixth Period

11:20Fifth Grade Lunch1:40-2:25Seventh Period

11:20Sixth Grade Lunch2:30-3:15Eighth Period

3:15School Dismissed3:15School Dismissed

Campus Hours

In order to ensure proper supervision, we ask that students be dropped off for school no earlier than 7:25a.m. and be picked up after school no later than 3:30p.m. These hours may be extended for school related activities.

Apple Springs ISD prohibits students from practice, rehearsal, participation, performance and / or preparation in or for any and all officially sanctioned co-curricular and extra-curricular activities on Sundays. Apple Springs ISD personnel will not schedule any student events on Sundays. All ASISD facilities will be closed on Sundays.

Exceptions:(a) Apple Springs ISD students may participate in events scheduled on Sundays by state level agencies over which ASISD has no control, and failure to participate in such events would prove detrimental to our students and programs.

(b) Apple Springs ISD students may travel to and from activities on Sundays when absolutely necessary.

Visitors

We encourage parents, grandparents and other community members to visit our campuses at any time. Good communication between the school and its stakeholders facilitates excellence in learning. All campus visitors will be required to leave their driver’s license or legal ID at the Principal’s office and obtain a visitor’s pass. This must be done before visiting any other part of the campus. At the conclusion of the visit, the pass will be exchanged for the personal ID.

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ATTENDANCE

Regular school attendance is essential. Texas law states that a child who is at least six years of age (or who is younger than six but previously enrolled in first grade), and who has not reached the age of eighteen years, shall attend school.

A student may not be given credit for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90% of the days the class is offered. A student who does not meet this requirement cannot receive credit for the class unless the Attendance Review Committee finds that absences are the result of extenuating circumstances such as:

  • Extracurricular activities or public performances subject to approval by the District’s Board of Trustees.
  • Required screening, diagnosis and treatment for students or a documented health care appointment.
  • A temporary absence resulting from a cause deemed acceptable by the Principal including personal illness, or illness or death in the immediate family.
  • A juvenile court proceeding documented by a probation officer.
  • An absence required by federal, state or local welfare authorities.
  • A family emergency or unforeseen/unavoidable instance requiring immediate attention.
  • Preapproved college visitation.

The Assistant Principal will monitor absences on a daily basis and contact parents as necessary. Written notice will be provided when a student is in danger of falling below the 90% requirement. The Attendance Review Committee will review the student’s entire attendance record and the reasons for absences, determine if there are extenuating circumstances, and then determine if credit will be awarded. If the committee determines that credit will not be awarded, the parent or guardian may appeal the decision to the Board of Trustees by filing a written request with the Superintendent. Any student in grades 9-12 who falls below the 90% attendance requirement will be assigned to Clock Hour Class. A fee may be assessed to cover the cost of operating the Clock Hour Class. Failure to attend may result in the loss of credit.

A student absent from school more than one-half of the day, other than for a documented health care appointment or to attend a funeral, will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular contests on that day or evening.

When an absence occurs, students must bring a note signed by the parent that describes the excusable reason for the absence. Failure to comply with this policy may cause the absence to be unexcused and result in disciplinary action. Student-signed notes, regardless of the student’s age, are not acceptable.

The student should arrive early enough to obtain an admission slip before school begins from the Principal’s office. Students arriving too late to obtain the slip and report for class on time will be counted tardy. The admit slip must be presented to each of the student’s teachers.

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A student away from class for any reason is responsible for all make-up assignments. Failure to complete and turn in such assignments within three days may result in a grade of “0” recorded for each missing assignment.

Any student falling below the 90% attendance standard, within a given nine weeks, will not be allowed to miss class time for extracurricular activities. (This does not pertain to activities held during non-school time.)

Release of Students from School

In order for a student to leave campus, at any time other than official dismissal, prior arrangements must be made between the student’s parent and the Principal/Designee. Parents must make personal contact with school officials. For the safety of students, phone calls and text messages will not be honored for releasing students from school or for changing student bus/transportation assignments. Any student who leaves campus without prior approval of the Principal/Designee will be given an unexcused absence and subject to disciplinary action.

Tardy Policy

HIGH SCHOOL: Three or morecollective tardies within a given 9 week period will result in an office referral and other progressive disciplinary consequences.

ELEMENTARY: Students arriving after 8:00am will be counted tardy. Three or more tardies will require a parent conference with the Assistant Principal and potentially other disciplinary consequences.

Any student with three or more tardies will not be eligible for a perfect attendance award.

Emergency School Closing

In the event of bad weather or an emergency, the school may have to dismiss early, start late or be closed for a period of time. This information will be provided to students and parents as soon as possible. The information will be delivered through the ASISD mobile app, automated phone system, local radio and television stations and the school website.

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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Athletics

The primary purpose of the Athletic Program at Apple Springs ISD is to provide students with an opportunity for life-long learning through competitive sports. We are committed to instilling the values of teamwork, discipline, sacrifice and believing in a cause greater than one’s self. Athletics must serve as positive, complimentary component of the total educational process.

Participation in athletics is both a privilege and an honor. Student-athletes should serve as ambassadors of their respective teams, their school and community. Student-athletes are expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct.

ACADEMICS: ASISD student-athletes are students first. Academic standards and requirements take precedent over athletics. Students must continually satisfy all areas of academic eligibility established by the Texas Education Agency and the ASISD Board of Trustees to participate in athletics.

AFFILIATION: All athletic programs are governed by the University Interscholastic League and are subject to its policies and procedures. No other organization, entity or individual will be recognized by the District. This includes, but is not limited to, outside leagues, club or select teams, recruiting organizations or individual patrons.

UIL sanctioned sports offered at Apple Springs ISD include:

  • Cross-Country
  • Cheer
  • Football
  • Volleyball
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Softball
  • Track & Field

APPEARANCE: Student-athletes will adhere to the dress and grooming code adopted by the Board of Trustees for the District. Student-athletes will wear the uniform and other apparel and equipment issued by the Head Coach, and, in the manner as prescribed by the Head Coach. All students will dress as a team and not in such a way as to draw attention to self. Head Coaches may also require additional standards of dress and grooming for travel and game purposes.

ATTENDANCE: Student-athletes are expected to be in attendance and on time for all practices, contests and other sporting activities. If an absence is unavoidable, the athlete must make personal contact with the Head Coach prior to the absence for it to be considered excused.

Excused absences may still result in make-up work and conditioning and a reduction in playing time at the discretion of the Head Coach.

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All absences without prior notice to the Head Coach will be deemed unexcused and may result in:

  • Make-up work and / or extra physical conditioning
  • Reduction in playing time
  • Parent conference
  • Suspension or removal from the team or athletic department

ATTITUDE / CONDUCT: Athletic teams are often the most visible representation of the District. Therefore, student-athletes will be held to the highest standards of conduct. Student-athletes must adhere to all policies of student-conduct and consequences as adopted by the Board of Trustees and Student Code of Conduct.

Additionally, the following behaviors are strictly prohibited for all ASISD student-athletes.

  • Unsportsmanlike Conduct
  • Profanity
  • Self-glorification
  • Disrespect for coaches, officials, opponents, teammates, persons in positions of authority, integrity of the game(s) being played

Student-athletes engaging in prohibited activities may be subject to the following:

  • Additional physical conditioning
  • Reduction in playing time
  • Parent conference
  • Suspension or removal from the team or athletic department
  • Other disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Athletic Director and Principal
  1. DRUG TESTING POLICY: The Board of Trustees has adopted the following policy concerning drug testing of students in extracurricular organizations.

Purpose

  1. To provide a monitored incentive for students to refrain from drug use.
  2. To provide students and families with a means of intervention.

Who Will Be Tested

  1. All students in grades 9-12 who participate in any school-sponsored extracurricular or co-curricular event or organization.
  2. Any student wishing to drive a personal vehicle on campus.

Testing Method

  1. All students will be initially tested at the beginning of each school year.
  2. Approximately 10 students will be selected for spot testing on a quarterly basis.
  3. Any student testing positive will automatically be included in all subsequent tests for the remainder of the year.

Parental Communication

  1. Parents are notified of intent to test via the Student Handbook.
  2. Policy is available on the district website.
  3. Parent signature on the Acknowledgement of Receipt from the Student Handbook will serve as permission to test.

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Assessment of Penalties

Initial Offense:

  1. Student is suspended from all extracurricular contests for three weeks. The student may continue to practice.
  2. Parent is notified by the Athletic Director.
  3. Student will be tested on all subsequent administrations during the year.
  4. Student may be reinstated for contest participation by providing an approved negative drug screen after the three week suspension.

All Subsequent Offenses: